To mark National Youth Week, the City wants to hear from Hamilton’s Youth
HAMILTON, ON – Each year from May 1 to 7, cities across the country commemorate National Youth Week and the good work that goes on with and for the youth of Canada. To celebrate National Youth Week in Hamilton, the City is asking Hamilton’s residents aged 14 to 29 to share what they need to be successful in their city. Understanding the challenges faced by the youth of Hamilton will help the City create a Strategy that captures the youth voice and improve the programs and services Hamilton’s youth need to thrive in Hamilton.
According to the Social Planning and Research Council’s Vital Signs report, for the first time in Hamilton’s history, young people are beginning to out-number other demographics. Recognizing this early in his latest term, Hamilton’s Mayor, Fred Eisenberger called a Youth Roundtable comprised of youth agencies and youth to get a better understanding of the key issues facing youth in Hamilton. Some of the key themes that emerged were in housing, education and mental health. Since that initial meeting, conversations continue - including engaging with over 35 youth service agencies, hosting 30 community conversations, and connecting with over 300 youth to engage all the relevant stakeholders in developing the strategy. And in March of this year, a Youth Steering Committee was created to ensure that the youth of this city plays a leadership role in the creation of a Youth Strategy for Hamilton’s youth.
“As a City, Hamilton recognizes the growing importance of retaining and attracting young people to this great city as our best opportunity for long-term economic growth and to support Hamilton’s continued momentum. I look forward to continuing my conversations with Hamilton’s youth and the partners and agencies who serve them as we work together to build a Strategy that captures the voices of our youth and builds a solid foundation to ensure their success.” - Fred Eisenberger, Mayor, City of Hamilton
“It is imperative, when attempting to make positive change relating to the wellness of our youth, that this is not done by organizations in isolation, but rather within collaborative initiatives of many stakeholders where municipalities should be taking the lead to ensure the betterment of their constituents.” - Harry J. Bell, Regional Manager Hamilton-Niagara & SWO, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities
To celebrate National Youth Week, the City is providing several opportunities for youth and youth agencies to be part of the conversation:
Live Instagram Q&A - Tuesday, May 1 at 4 pm: National Youth Week kicks off with a live Instagram Q&A with Mayor Fred Eisenberger. The Mayor will take questions about issues that are important to Hamilton’s youth. Follow us on Instagram at HamOntYouth
Youth Strategy Workshop - Monday, May 7 from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm at Liuna Station: This free event will bring together professionals working with youth, anchor institutions, city staff, and youth 14-29 to discuss their strengths, challenges, and ideas for change. To register, please visit www.hamilton.ca/youth
To participate in an online survey and for more information on Hamilton’s process to create a Strategy for Hamilton’s youth, please visit www.hamilton.ca/youth